A Mumbai-based entrepreneur recounted her experience with a job candidate who verbally abused her during a WhatsApp conversation. Senain Sawant, the founder of start-up Grump, shared the incident on LinkedIn, shedding light on the difficulties entrepreneurs face in finding the right talent.
Sawant had arranged a video interview for the social media executive position via Google Meet on Monday. Since the candidate’s resume lacked sufficient details, Sawant wanted to determine their potential for the role or consider them for an internship instead.
“They joined the call with their camera off, claiming they didn’t have a computer and that an iOS update prevented video calls,” Sawant explained in her LinkedIn post.
When asked how they typically worked, the candidate mentioned they had received a laptop from their previous employer.
“I asked them to rejoin at a time when their video could be turned on, as this is an interview and I need to see who I’m speaking with. They agreed and ended the call,” she said.
Candidate’s Verbal Abuse
Sawant noted that the candidate’s tone was inappropriate from the beginning, and the background noise suggested they were in a public place.
After the candidate disconnected the video call, Sawant shared screenshots of their subsequent WhatsApp messages. The candidate argued that they applied for a social media executive role, not an internship.
“Your resume speaks otherwise. All the best,” Sawant responded.
The candidate then expressed their desire to withdraw from the process and mentioned their year of work experience. They further insulted Sawant by saying, “With all due respect, don’t be a bi**h. The arrogance you speak with.”
Stunned, Sawant replied, “Excuse me?” The candidate persisted, stating, “No one would want to speak to you.”
Sawant concluded the conversation with, “Thank you for clarifying your level of experience and professionalism.”
Following the post on LinkedIn, Sawant received significant support from users. Reflecting on the incident, she spoke with hindustantimes.com about generational differences in the modern workplace and the entitlement she perceives among some job seekers.
“More than being upset, I am disappointed by the sense of entitlement I see among candidates applying for work. At Grump, we aim to foster a positive and respectful work environment,” Sawant, who is in her mid-20s, said. “With this new age of candidates, it feels like they don’t truly need the job. It seems more like a temporary gig before they move on. So, I live and I learn.”
